Staycation inspiration: Which small UK towns and cities are Britain's favourite?
A little over a year since the start of the pandemic and the desire to travel is not diminishing. If anything, it’s stronger than ever! The travel restrictions have always been unclear, and despite this, we continue to dream of holidays and look for our next destination.
In the past year, British staycations have been booming and this year will be no different. But where do people want to go? What will be the most popular destination in 2021?
Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals (www.holidu.co.uk) examined the search volume in the past year for the search terms "what to do in [town]" and "things to do in [town]" for all British towns and cities with a population of less than 20,000.
The result?
- Whitby takes the crown with 6,280 searches per month!
- St Ives and Llandudno complete the podium with 5,280 and 4,080, respectively
- One Scottish town, St Andrews, secures a spot in the top 5
Britains favourite small towns and cities
1. Whitby, North Yorkshire - 6,280 searches per month
The winner of this ranking is the glorious seaside town of Whitby and is the most searched
small town by travellers this year with an average of 6,280 searches per month. This gorgeous
town is a regular family favourite, especially in the summertime. Lovely beaches, quirky cafes
and unique Gothic culture make this town the perfect destination for travellers of all ages and
interests.
2. St Ives, Cornwall - 5,280 searches per month
In second place is St Ives, and it’s not hard to understand why. This southern seaside town is
located on the Cornish coast and is frequently one of the most loved destinations in Cornwall.
Frequently topping lists of Britain’s favourite staycation destination, St Ives has it all - sun, sea,
surfing. The town is also famous for its vibrant art scene and frequently hosts art displays with
the works of many world-renowned artists.
3. Llandudno, Clwyd - 4,080 searches per month
Claiming third place with 4,080 searches per month is the much-loved Welsh coastal town of
Llandudno. The town is famous for its Victorian architecture and regularly attracts thousands
of people to its pier and promenade, particularly during the summer months. With shops and
eateries galore, you won’t be short of options when visiting this popular location.
4. St Andrews, Fife - 2,790 searches per month
The only Scottish location to make it into the top 10 is the coastal town of St Andrews. Located
in Fife, this town is known for its links to the Royals, as well as its many magnificent golf
courses. Most notably is it famous for its world-class university, the University of St Andrews,
which behind Oxford and Cambridge universities, is the third-oldest university in the Englishspeaking
world.
5. Penzance, Cornwall - 2,380 searches per month
The second destination in Cornwall securing a space in the top 10 is Penzance with an average
of 2,380 searches per month. As well as offering great pubs, restaurants and attractions,
Penzance is home to one of the mildest climates in the UK, making it the ideal destination for
a summer break.
6. Matlock, Derbyshire - 2,160 searches per month
At number six is the first non-coastal destination in the list, Matlock, with an average of 2,160
searches per month. Located in the south-eastern part of the Peak District, and its beautiful
scenery led Daniel Defoe to nickname this area "Little Switzerland”.
7. Cirencester, Gloucestershire - 1,920 searches per month
Next up is Cirencester, a town that is bursting with traditional English charm and gained an
average of 1,920 searches per month. Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, the buildings in
this market town have stunning architectural features and the town also boasts great transport
links throughout the Cotswolds region.
8. Penrith, Cumbria - 1,810 searches per month
A bustling market town and the hub of the Eden Valley, number eight is Penrith with an average
of 1,810 searches per month. The town lies just outside of the Lake District National Park,
making it the perfect base for a summer trip to the mountains.
10. Skipton, North Yorkshire - 1,510 searches per month
The tenth and final destination in this ranking is Skipton. The small town located in North
Yorkshire has an average of 1,510 searches per month. There is no shortage of things to do
in this market town, with a wide range of food and drink places, a famous market, stunning
countryside and seeping in history.
https://www.holidu.co.uk
See also Grab your suitcase! These are some amazing alternative staycation destinations in the UK!
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